Happy Toad With Open Arms

About this drawing

Happy Toad is one of the friendliest faces in Mario's world. With his oversized mushroom cap, tiny vest and huge grin, he has been part of the Mushroom Kingdom since the mid-1980s.

In the very first game, every time Mario cleared a castle he found a Toad waiting inside. The little guy thanked him and then broke the news that the princess was in another castle. Players heard that line so often that it turned into a joke people still use when something takes more than one try.

Toad serves Princess Peach and usually helps Mario with tips, items or a safe place to rest. Over time he grew into a playable character with a personality of his own. He races karts, plays sports, jumps into party games and even starred in a puzzle adventure as Captain Toad, a treasure hunter who cannot jump and has to think his way around every level.

He may be small and a bit nervous, but Toad is always ready to cheer his friends on, which is probably why so many fans count him as a favorite.

• toad
• mushroom
• mario
• video games